Laghoo shankhaprakshalana

Last Updated: February 28, 2019

Definition - What does Laghoo shankhaprakshalana mean?

Laghoo shankhaparkshala is yogic colon cleansing kriya that is a shorter version of shankaparkshala. The name comes from the Sanskrit laghoo, meaning “short” or “brief”; shankha, meaning “conch”; and parkshala, meaning “wash.”

To practice laghoo shankhaparkshala, the yogi drinks two glasses of warm salt water and then yogi then performs a series of yoga asanas. The process is repeated two to four more times. A bowel movement should follow the rounds of saline water and asanas. If the urge for a bowel movement happens earlier, the yogi should stop laghoo shankhaparkshala and go make the bowel movement.

Yogapedia explains Laghoo shankhaprakshalana

In each round of laghoo shankhaparkshala, the following asanas are repeated eight times:

Tadasana (mountain pose) – standing with the arms stretched overhead

Tiryaka tadasana (swaying palm tree pose) – standing with the arms stretched overhead, leaning to one side and then the other for a side stretch

Kati chakrasana (standing spinal twist) – the left arm wraps behind the back while the right hand reaches over the left shoulder and the torso twists to the left; the posture is repeated on the opposite side

Tiryaka bhujangasana (twisting cobra pose) – from bhujangasana (cobra pose), the head and shoulders twist in one direction and then the other

Udarakarshanasana (abdominal twist pose) – from a low squat with the heels raised, twist to one side while pushing down the opposite knee

Laghoo shankhaparkshala should be practiced in the morning before breakfast. Wait at least a half-hour before eating. Khichri (rice and dal) with pure ghee is recommended.